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Are Headaches a Symptom of MS in Children?

MS, or multiple sclerosis, is an autoimmune disease. This disease affects the central nervous system and has various symptoms associated with it in children.

  1. Cause

    • MS occurs when the immune system attacks the body's myelin, or the sheath covering the nerves. The cause of MS is unknown, though the National Pediatric MS Center states that researchers believe genetics, environmental factors and trauma all play a part.

    Considerations

    • MS affects many children around the world. Children may experience different effects of the condition than others. One of the symptoms of MS is headaches.

    Significance

    • Headaches are one of the less common symptoms of MS. Most children with the condition experience the more common side effects such as bladder dysfunction, difficulty walking, pain, numbness and bowel dysfunction.

    Time Frame

    • According to the National Pediatric MS Center, all symptoms of MS have a chance of being recurring. A child experiencing any symptom of MS may not experience them again for a long time, or can experience them frequently.

    Treatment

    • By treating the disease with medications that stop the immune system from attacking the myelin, the symptoms of the condition may recede. These medications include corticosteroids, interferons and glatiramer. Doctors may prescribe mild pain relievers to help with the headaches.

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